NORTH OAHU

North Oahu is bordered by the northern coastline on the north, Kaena Point in the west and Waiahole in the east. The southern border crosses the Island from Kaena Point to Waiahole. This Area is mainly a rural area of Banana plantations, ranches and fields of exotic flowers. There are tiny towns and secret hiking trails. The most popular attractions in North Oahu are the town of Laie, Punalu’u Beach Park, Kualoa Regional, Park, Kahana Bay, Mokolii Island and the Crouching Lion. Ancient Hawaiians believed that the Crouching Lion formation is there because Pele turned her relative Kupua into a rock because he left her and went with her sister Hi’iaka.

Laieis a town that can best be described as Hawaii’s Mormon community. There is a temple there built in 1919 that is a smaller version of the temple in Salt Lake City, Utah. The biggest attraction in North Oahu is The Polynesian Cultural Center This attraction is completely run by Mormons who came from all different Islands in Polynesia to share their culture with the rest of the world. The biggest and ( in my opinion ) best town in North Oahu is Haleiwa. Haleiwa was built in 1832 and became a thriving missionary town. Hawaiian royalty vacationed here in the summer month. Haleiwa still looks like a small wood built town from the 1800’s but is a town full of craft shops, clothing stores and surf stores.

Just past Haleiwa is The North Shore Shark Adventure. This is the most exciting and exhilarating experience I have ever had. Just imagine being in a shark cage just inches from these amazing creatures.A little further north is the most sacred valley in Oahu called Waimea. This valley was once the center for Hawaiian religion. Remnants of old temples can still be seen. The biggest attraction in Waimea today is the beautiful Waimea Falls Park. This botanical garden is one of the best in the world. It contains 2500 species of flowers from around the world. On the Pali (cliff ) overlooking Waimea Bay is a temple called Pu'u o mahuka Heiau (hill of escape ). This temple covers over 5 acres and is now considered a state historical site. This was considered the most powerful place for the Kahuna and it was one of two places where the wives of ancient chiefs could give birth.

Northern Oahu is great for experienced hikers and the best place for an experienced hiker is Mt Ka’ala in the Waianae Mountain Range. This is an incredibly difficult hike, you pass through Mango and guava forests and then into the rainforest full of thick trees and ferns. If you make it to the top, you will be rewarded with a view of the entire island.

North Oahu is most famous for the beaches from Kahuku to Kaena Point. This area is simply known as

The North Shore, Or North shore of Oahu. During the winter there are gigantic waves, some of the largest waves on earth. This is the home of the # 9 best beach, Sunset beach and the Banzai Pipeline. The triple crown of surfing (three major surfing competitions) are held here during the winter. In the summer the ocean is calm and the beaches are great for swimming.